Acne scars: treatment options and realistic expectations

Acne can leave marks long after the breakouts are gone, and for many people those scars affect how they feel about their skin. If you're looking into acne scar treatment in Toronto, this guide explains the main scar types in plain words, the options we offer and what kind of change is realistic.

The honest summary: many acne scars can be softened, usually over a series of treatments, but they rarely disappear completely. Knowing that from the start makes the process much less frustrating.

Types of acne scars, in plain words

Acne scars fall into a few broad groups, and most people have a mix. That's one reason every plan is personalized.

• Rolling scars: wide, shallow dips with soft, sloping edges that give the skin a wavy look. They often form when bands of scar tissue tether the skin from below.
• Boxcar scars: round or oval dents with sharper edges, a bit like small craters.
• Ice pick scars: narrow, deep pits that can look like large, open pores.
• Raised scars: firm, thickened bumps that sit above the skin, more common on the chest, back and jawline.

Flat red, pink or brown marks left after a breakout aren't true scars. They're changes in colour, not texture, and they often fade gradually, especially with daily sun protection. True scars change the surface of the skin itself.

Why active acne comes first

It's tempting to go straight to scar treatment, but active acne usually needs to be under control first. New breakouts can create new scars, and inflamed skin isn't the right place for scar procedures. Calming your skin first also protects the progress you make.

For a single painful, deep cyst, a cystic acne injection can reduce swelling and tenderness, often within 24–72 hours, and can help lower the risk of a lasting scar. For ongoing acne, Sophie can discuss a broader skin plan, and some people also need prescription acne treatment.

Acne scar treatment options we offer

No single treatment suits every scar. Sophie often combines approaches based on your scar types, skin and goals.

Subcision (manual scar release)

Many depressed scars are held down by bands of tissue beneath the skin. During subcision for acne scars, those bands are carefully broken so the skin can lift and new collagen can form. It's mainly used for rolling, boxcar and other tethered or depressed scars, and a session takes about 30–60 minutes.

Ice pick scars tend to respond less to subcision, and raised scars need a different approach altogether. If your scars fall into these groups, Sophie will talk you through what may help, including whether a referral makes sense.

PRP and collagen stimulation

Subcision is often combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), prepared from your own blood, or with a collagen biostimulator, to support healing and new collagen. Our guides to PRP for thinning hair and Sculptra vs. hyaluronic acid filler explain how PRP is prepared and how biostimulators work.

Skin rejuvenation and medical-grade skincare

Uneven tone, rough texture and leftover marks can improve with skin rejuvenation treatments, such as skin boosters and Omnilux™ LED light therapy, alongside medical-grade skincare chosen for your skin. On their own, these won't release tethered scars, but they can improve overall skin quality and help scars look less noticeable.

What to expect: a series, not a single visit

Acne scars form over time, and improving them takes time too. Most people need a series of treatments, and your plan depends on your scar types and depth.

After subcision, expect bruising and swelling for about a week, so plan around special events. Improvement shows progressively over about 1–3 months as new collagen forms. Results are long-lasting, although your skin will keep aging naturally and new breakouts can leave new marks.

The goal is meaningful softening, not flawless skin. Photos taken in the same light before each session are a helpful way to track progress, because gradual changes are hard to see day to day.

Side effects and who should wait

Tenderness, bruising and swelling are expected after subcision. Infection is uncommon, but call the clinic at 416-604-0040 if you notice increasing pain, warmth, spreading redness, pus or a fever. For severe symptoms, call 911.

Treatment may need to wait, or a different approach may be safer, if you:

• have active acne, a skin infection or a cold sore in the treatment area
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder (never stop a prescribed medication on your own)
• tend to form raised or keloid scars
• are taking, or recently took, isotretinoin or another prescription acne medication

Protect your progress with daily sunscreen

Sun exposure can darken post-acne marks and slow their fading, and freshly treated skin is more sensitive. Daily sun protection is one of the simplest ways to protect your results.

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, year-round, even when it's cloudy.
• Reapply when you're outdoors for long periods, especially after sweating or swimming, and add a hat and shade.
• Choose a formula that suits your skin. The clinic carries EltaMD® sunscreens, including options for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Where to start

Next step: A consultation and skin assessment with Sophie Gatward, NP, a Nurse Practitioner, is the place to begin. She'll review your scars, skin and medical history and give you an honest plan, including what's realistic. Book a consultation at our clinic at 2461 Bloor Street West, Unit 4, near Jane subway station, or read more about acne scar treatment first.

Frequently asked questions

This article is general information, not medical advice. Every treatment at Bloor West Medspa starts with a consultation and medical assessment with Sophie Gatward, NP, to confirm what is right for you. Individual results vary.